Financial aid sought for undocumented students in Connecticut

Mary E. O'Leary

Published
12:00 am EST, Monday, February 18, 2013

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HARTFORD -- Undocumented students who can now attend state colleges at in-state tuition rates are lobbying hard to also be allowed to apply for state financial assistance to help make college affordable.

The $8,500 tuition rate at state universities is unaffordable for many of them, according to advocates.

They will present a petition to the Higher Education Committee and Employment Advancement Committee today, the last day it can raise the bill.

CT Students for a DREAM are asking that the bill get a public hearing and a vote.

State Rep. Andres Ayala, D-Bridgeport, proposes that all students eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of immigration status, receive financial aid if they need it to ensure that the system is fair and treats everyone equally.

The state, however, is facing a deficit in fiscal 2014 of more than $1 billion with aid cut to municipalities and social services. Tuition is also slated to increase at the state universities by 5 percent as the state's contribution continues to drop.

"I have lived in Connecticut since I was 5," said Cynthia Perez, a student at Southern Connecticut State University, "I went to elementary school, middle school, and high school here. Now, all I want is the chance to be treated fairly and equally and to chase my dreams. This bill would help give me that chance."

Advocates argue that making college more affordable will improve high-school graduation rates and will also help the economy by boosting the potential earning power of these students.